Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:115. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Defence Ireland’s defence and security preparedness for holding the EU Presidency in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72041/25]
View answerTuesday, 16 December 2025
Questions (115)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware from her recent engagement with officials in my Department, preparations for the Presidency are now intensifying across Government. It is important to note that National Security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces’ role, as always, is to provide support to An Garda Síochána where specific capabilities are required under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) framework.
An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation. It has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement.
Support during the Presidency may include security-related and logistical assistance from across the Defence Forces — the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps — in response to requirements identified by An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána maintain a strong working relationship, and engagement has already taken place in respect of preliminary security planning. Further engagement with colleagues in the Department of Justice and AGS will ensure early visibility of any formal requests for Defence Forces assistance.